Here Are Eastern PA's James Beard Semifinalists

EASTERN PA — Semifinalists announced Wednesday by the James Beard Foundation include eight restaurants, chefs, bars, brewers, and bakers in Eastern Pennsylvania. The awards, now in their 30th year, are regarded as the Oscars of the culinary industry.

The semifinalists are in 11 categories: best new restaurant; outstanding restaurant; outstanding baker; outstanding pastry chef; outstanding chef; rising chef stars age 30 or younger; outstanding bar program; outstanding wine program; outstanding wine, beer or spirits producer; outstanding restaurateur; and outstanding hospitality.

In Eastern Pennsylvania, the semifinalists are:

• Kalaya, Philadelphia — Best New Restaurant
• Tova du Plessis, Essen Bakery, Philadelphia — Outstanding Baker
• Horse Inn, Lancaster — Outstanding Bar Program
• Marc Vetri, Vetri Cucina, Philadelphia — Outstanding Chef
• Bolete, Bethlehem — Outstanding Restaurant
• Le Caveau, Philadelphia — Outstanding Wine Program
• Jean Broillet IV, Tired Hands Brewing Company, Ardmore — Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Producer
• Jesse Ito, Royal Izakaya, Philadelphia — Rising Star Chef of the Year

>>>James Beard Foundation Semifinalists: The Full List<<<

Finalists in all categories will be announced at a news conference at 9 a.m. EDT on Wedneday, March 25 in Philadelphia.

The list of semifinalists was voted on by more than 600 judges from across the country. The same group of judges — who include leading regional restaurant critics, food and wine editors, culinary instructors and past James Beard winners — vote to determine the finalists. The votes are tabulated by independent auditors from EisnerAmper.

Winners will be announced in May.